8 tips to kick off your 2024 goals

New year, new you! Here are some of our favourite tips to help you tick off those new year goals. Setting achievable holistic goals is the way to go, putting your aim and focus on how you want to feel and live.

1. Stay hydrated

Stay healthy and hydrated over the long summer days by keeping a jug of chilled water in the fridge when you need a thirst-quenching drink throughout the day. And while it might be tempting to relax with a glass of wine or beer, we suggest swapping it for a non-alcoholic option, such as sparkling mineral water with a slice of fresh lemon or lime!

Here are some of our favourite and delicious ways to stay hydrated throughout summer, whether it’s a berrylicious smoothie, home-made iced tea without added sugar or simply adding slices of lemon, cucumber, strawberries or mint to add some flavour.

2. Cook something new

Are you in need of some healthy and nutritious recipe ideas? We know that 1 in 3 cases of cancer can be prevented by having a healthy lifestyle, which includes a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and high-fibre food. We recommend eating a balanced diet including the five food groups of wholegrain breads & cereals, vegetables & salads, fruit, lean meat and alternatives, and dairy or dairy alternatives.

3. Become a lifesaver for someone in need

Become a blood donor and help someone in need. Around 34% of cancer patients heavily rely on blood donation as part of their treatment. Cancer Council NSW is proud to be partnering with Lifeblood and throughout the month of February, you will find a Cancer Council inspired bandage design on offer for blood donors at Lifeblood centres.

4. Relax, recharge and repeat

Treat yourself each week to a self-care Sunday to simply unwind and relax. This could be indulging in a relaxing activity such as reading, meditating, listening to music, trying a new hobby or cooking your favourite meal.

Self-care is an ongoing process and prioritising your health and wellbeing every day of the week will help you feel better equipped for the week ahead. Connecting with your loved ones and with people who make you feel happy and supported can have a positive impact on your mood.

5. Move more

Get more steps this year by going for a coastal or country walk or even increasing your incidental activity, whether it’s taking the stairs instead of the lift, walking up and down the escalators, spending time gardening or mowing the lawn. Make sure whenever you are out and about, to slip on clothing, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on your sunglasses to protect yourself while you are out in the sun. Slip, slop, slap, seek, slide.

6. Stress less and sleep better

Stress can often be an uncomfortable part of life and sometimes too much stress can impact your wellbeing. Take some time out your day to try out some mindfulness or even listen to a meditation and relaxation podcast – there are plenty of ways to help you improve your emotional health.

7. Prioritise your health check-ups

Getting screened regularly and detecting any changes in your body is one of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of cancer whether it’s through bowel cancer screening, breast cancer screening or cervical screening.

Australia has a free National Bowel Cancer Screening Program which means eligible people aged between 50-74 will receive a free bowel cancer screening test kit in the mail every two years. To check your eligibility, find out when you’re due for a kit or order a new one, contact the National Cancer Screening Register on 1800 627 701 or https://www.ncsr.gov.au/

Screening for breast cancer involves having a mammogram every two years from the age of 50 (or earlier if your GP advises it). BreastScreen NSW invites women aged 50–74 to have free mammograms. Call BreastScreen NSW on 13 20 50 to book a free mammogram or visit https://www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au/ for more information.

The National Cervical Screening Program recommends that women and people with a cervix aged 25–74 have a cervical screening test  two years after their last Pap test, and then once every five years. All women and people with a cervix are now able to self-collect their sample. Find out more about cervical self-collection, or talk to your GP or nurse today.

To find out when you’re due for cervical screening or update your details, contact the National Cancer Screening Register on 1800 627 701 or https://www.ncsr.gov.au/

8. Volunteer with us

Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, gain valuable work experience and make a real contribution to the vital work of Cancer Council NSW. People from all walks of life volunteer with us at Cancer Council NSW, whether it’s as a Cancer Connect volunteer, corporate volunteer or an event day volunteer.